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10 Reasons Shoppers No Longer Love Target

Complaints from Redditors about Target that might make you rethink your next trip.

Concord North Carolina Super Target Store
Updated May 15, 2025
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Target is popular for having trendy products, great deals, and an enjoyable shopping experience, but not everyone thinks so highly of it. At least not anymore.

While many use it as a way to save more on everyday essentials, people on Reddit often express frustration with the retailer by sharing their honest and diverse opinions, from low stock, higher prices on some products, and a lack of customer service.

Not everyone enjoys shopping at Target these days, and here are a few reasons why.

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Things are more expensive than at competitors

ColleenMichaels/Adobe woman inside seattle target store

Target has good deals, but some Reddit users say prices are higher than those of other stores like Walmart.

One Redditor said, "[P]eople pay $8 for a bag of trail mix that's 1.99 at Walmart. Literally every name brand is [two times] the price at Target compared to Walmart or Kroger stores."

You often end up overspending

Vadim/Adobe woman besides trolley with monthly grocery

While Target is convenient, you may overspend on items you could get less at another store. "Target feels like it's priced for the 'convenience' factor, but I don't think it's worth it when I can get the same thing for less somewhere else," explains one Reddit user.

Another said, "Somewhere like Target who used to be considered good for pricing is just too expensive for me now."

Items are frequently out of stock

Alex Bascuas/Adobe empty shelves panic buying

Some complain that Target's items are often out of stock. Customers find empty shelves, and the items they need aren't in stock.

One user complained, "The grocery section is always depleted. Forget getting any bakery. They NEVER have any bakery in stock no matter what day I shop. And many of the food items are also consistently out of stock."

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There aren't enough eco-friendly options

bodnarphoto/Adobe Pack of chips from the store shelves

Many customers want eco-friendly options, and Target has fewer choices than other stores. Their use of plastic bags and packaging also sways some consumers away from their products, with one user asking "Has anyone else had difficulty finding the eco-friendly or reusable products at [T]arget recently?"

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Some of the stores are disorganized

OntheRun Photo/Adobe seasonal retail displays and aisles at Target store

While some Target stores are well organized, Reddit users complain that other locations lack organization. Items are scattered or misplaced, so it's hard to find what you're looking for.

One Redditor shared, "I feel like most Target's have gone downhill in the last year and a half or so and that a totally messy store is more the norm than the exception."

Using the Target website isn't always easy

fizkes/Adobe stressed woman shopping online using card

Some Reddit users complain that using the Target website isn't easy because it's hard to navigate. Finding specific items and seeing an accurate availability status isn't always feasible.

"Have had similar issues with Target's [website] for months if not almost a year at this stage," complained one Redditor. "I called and chatted with customer service reps on multiple occasions, and even uploaded screenshots of the issues I encountered"

It can be difficult to navigate the store's price match guarantee policy

Tyler Olson/Adobe customer standing in queue at grocery store

Many stores offer price matching, and Target is one of them. However, some shoppers have found that it's difficult to take advantage of the policy.

"Third time in a row this has happened to me," vented one user. "I ask for a price match for an identical item from Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, etc...and then the [customer service representative] in chat tells me that Target doesn't price match competitors sale prices."

Target customer service can be unreliable

auremar/Adobe impatient customer talking to saleswoman at store

From long wait times at the checkout to lack of assistance on the sales floor, many Target customers complain that there isn't reliable customer service at Target. When customers can find staff to assist them, they find that they aren't knowledgeable enough to help with purchase decisions.

One Redditor vented that as a store employee, "I was trained for like [two days and then they just put me on my own without any notice."

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The aisles are crowded

StockPhotoPro/Adobe Customers doing grocery shopping at store

At some Target stores, shoppers find the aisles crowded because they are so narrow. It's particularly a problem during peak shopping hours, with the walkways being congested.

Shoppers find it hard to navigate the store, with one Reddit user wondering if others have "been able to figure out times to shop that are typically less crowded??"

Quick tips: How to save on your grocery bill

stokkete/Adobe person using credit card on groceries

Grocery shopping doesn't have to break the bank when you use the right strategies. Here are three quick tips for reducing food expenses:

  • Buy store brands instead of name brands whenever possible.
  • Always make sure to compare unit prices, not just sticker prices.
  • Join your store's loyalty program so you don’t miss out on member discounts.

Even though something like choosing coupons in your grocery store app can feel like an annoying task, the savings can really add up.

The clothing quality is low

galitskaya/Adobe Expectant mother buying clothes at store

Target is known for having trendy, affordable clothing, but some customers have found that it doesn't hold up. Their workwear and business attire are especially problematic. According to a Redditor, "For some reason, everything I touched felt cheap, shrinkable, wrinkleable, and just rough and uncomfortable."

Bottom line

Walter Cicchetti/Adobe target store azusa california

Target is a favorite store for many people, but not everyone has the same enthusiasm. As these Reddit users explain, there are some reasons people no longer love Target like they used to. From higher prices and lack of stock to inconsistent customer service and crowded aisles, many consumers opt for different stores or online retailers.

While Target has to work on things to appeal to some consumers, you can still save more on everyday essentials by watching for deals at your local store or online. Looking for these deals can help you stretch your Target budget and make sure you're not overspending.

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